Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient and prominent social activist, Sandeep Pandey, has issued a powerful call to action for the residents of Kozhikode. He urged them to continue their unwavering struggle for the preservation of the Kottooli wetlands, assuring them of his full support whenever their cause demands it.
During an engaging interactive session with local environmental activists, hosted by the Green Movement at Sarovaram Biopark on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Pandey expressed disbelief that anyone could possibly misidentify the area surrounding the biopark as anything other than a vibrant wetland. He critically noted, “The structures now standing on this wetland would not exist without the explicit permission of the authorities. This is an ecologically sensitive area, and its protection is paramount.” He further stressed that safeguarding wetlands primarily falls under the purview of local governing bodies, rather than solely the State or Central governments.
Pandey highlighted that the challenges facing wetlands are not unique to Kozhikode but represent a global crisis. In a gesture of solidarity, he extended an invitation to Kozhikode’s environmentally passionate citizens to join a parallel conservation movement currently spearheaded by Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh, emphasizing the importance of a collective, widespread effort.
Prior to the session, Mr. Pandey toured several locations within the wetland, observing firsthand the extensive encroachments and large-scale constructions that have emerged. He also visited areas where persistent local efforts have successfully halted further encroachment and initiated legal proceedings. The meeting concluded with various activists presenting detailed accounts of the widespread wetland destruction and proposing more impactful strategies to prevent future harm. T.V. Rajan, general secretary of the Green Movement, skillfully presided over the discussions.